How to Become a 911 Dispatcher in Cabell County, West Virginia

Entrusted with the position of Communicator at the Cabell County 911 Center, you will be responsible for using your natural and acquired skills to calmly solicit actionable intelligence from callers and dispatch the appropriate police, ambulance, and/or fire units. In 2013 the center added Emergency Medical Dispatching to the list of services it provides, and as a result has since seen an increase from its normal average of 310,000 calls annually. As a 911 dispatcher in Cabell County, you will work from the 911 Center based out of Huntington and along with 35 other dispatchers provide 24/7 coverage to 17 emergency response agencies located throughout the county.

Having qualifying credentials is just the first step to becoming a 911 dispatcher in Cabell County. Use this guide to learn more:

Step 1. Become a Competitive Candidate

There is high demand for 911 dispatcher jobs in Cabell County, so it’s advisable that you have added proven skills to your resume in addition to being able to meet the minimum requirements. This can include having previous experience dispatching emergency responders, as is preferred by the hiring team at the Cabell County 911 Center, but can also include 911 operator training and certifications such as:

Incident dispatch

Incident Command System (ICS)

Emergency Medical Dispatch

CPR

Communicator Training Academy

Emergency Telecommunicator Course

Fire Dispatching

Law Enforcement Dispatching

There are also two colleges in Huntington and more resources online if you are considering a degree in addition to 911 dispatcher training. This is a good idea if you are a long-term-career-minded person who is interested both in distinguishing yourself during the initial application process and later as you move up the ladder. Relevant degrees are in subject areas that include:

Step 2. Apply with Cabell County 911

You can apply for 911 dispatcher jobs in Cabell County by printing off an application and returning it and a copy of your high school diploma or GED to the 911 Center located on 129 Gallaher Street in Huntington. You can always apply for 911 dispatcher jobs even if there are no current vacancies, although if you have not heard back within six months you will need to reapply. Vacancies are posted on the Emergency Response Center’s website.

As you proceed with the application process you will also need to take:

Basic-skills written test

Basic typing test

Drug test

Hearing test

Step 3. Continue Training

After gaining experience as a dispatcher you will eventually become eligible for promotional opportunities. By obtaining continuing or additional training through any of the following associations with which Cabell County 911 maintains links you will potentially be a better dispatcher and qualify for raises sooner. These agencies include: